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“Channel 104.9” KCNL changes from Alternative Classics to Alternative

A weak rimshot located halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, the 104.9 frequency has always struggled to find its niche in the marketplace. A longtime Spanish language station, as KBRG, the frequency was part of a complex swap that saw four frequencies swap programming in 1997 and 1998. KBRG moved from 104.9 to 100.3; KBAY moved from 100.3 to 94.5; KUFX moved from 94.5 to 104.9 and then to 98.5 after Jacor acquired the former KOME from Infinity. KOME’s programming was merged into Infinity sister Live 105 leaving a hole for an adult targetting Alternative station. With a strong 80’s lean, Channel 104.9 filled that hole. In late 2000, KCNL’s sister 101.3 KIOI changed formats to All 80’s. In order to prevent overlap between the two stations, Channel 104.9 retargetted itself directly at Live 105, which had been getting harder and harder and further away from its Alternative roots